Composition for forming an elastomeric article

ABSTRACT

A composition for forming an elastomeric article is disclosed. The composition includes an elastomeric material and a film leveler, where the film leveler is present in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 5.0% by mass of the composition.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/458,841 filed on Jun. 11, 2003, and claims priority thereto.

BACKGROUND

Highly elastic articles such as surgical and examination gloves havetraditionally been formed from natural rubber latex due to itscombination of good elasticity and strength. In recent years, syntheticgloves with comparable properties have been introduced for suchapplications. Many of these gloves are formed from solvent-basedprocesses that are prone to variability in film thickness and shape.Various factors impact such variability, such as dwell time in thepolymer bath, the polymer used in the polymer composition, drying time,and so forth. While process conditions may be altered to reduce sucheffects, a need remains for a composition that substantially improvesthe uniformity of the resulting article.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a composition for forming anelastomeric article having improved uniformity and fewer defects. Thecomposition includes an elastomeric material and a silicone polyether.The elastomeric material may include a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styreneblock copolymer, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, naturalrubber, nitrile butadiene rubber, styrene-isoprene-styrene blockcopolymer, styrene-isoprene block copolymer, styrene-butadiene blockcopolymer, synthetic isoprene, chloroprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride,silicone rubber, or a combination thereof. The silicone polyether may bepresent in any suitable amount, and in some instances, may be present inan amount of from about 0.05 mass % to about 5 mass % of thecomposition. In other instances, the silicone polyether may be presentin an amount of from about 0.1 mass % to about 3 mass % of thecomposition. In yet other instances, the silicone polyether may bepresent in an amount of from about 0.15 mass % to about 1 mass % of thecomposition. In yet other instances, the silicone polyether may bepresent in an amount of from about 0.2 mass % to about 0.5 mass % of thecomposition. In one such instance, the silicone polyether may be presentin an amount of about 0.4 mass % of the composition.

The present invention further relates to an elastomeric article. Thearticle includes a substrate body formed from an elastomeric materialselected from the group consisting of astyrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer, natural rubber,nitrile butadiene rubber, styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer,styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-isoprene blockcopolymer, styrene-butadiene block copolymer, synthetic isoprene,chloroprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, silicone rubber, or acombination thereof. The article also includes a layer overlying atleast a portion of the substrate body, where the layer is formed from asilicone polyether. In some instances, the layer may be a donning layer.In other instances, the layer may be a gripping layer.

The present invention further relates to a method for preparing anelastomeric article. The method includes preparing a substrate body froma composition including an elastomeric material and a siliconepolyether, and forming a layer over at least a portion of the substratebody, the layer comprising a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer.The silicone polyether may be present in an amount of from about 0.05mass % to about 5 mass % of the composition.

The present invention also relates to a method for preparing anelastomeric glove. The method includes providing a hand-shaped gloveformer, dipping the former into a gripping layer composition including afirst styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer and a first siliconepolyether, dipping the former into a substrate body compositionincluding a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer and asecond silicone polyether, and dipping the former into a donning layercomposition including a second styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymerand a third silicone polyether. The first styrene-butadiene-styreneblock copolymer and the second styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymermay be chemically identical. Likewise, the first silicone polyether, thesecond silicone polyether, and the third silicone polyether may bechemically identical. In some instances, the first silicone polyethermay be present in an amount of from about 0.05 mass % to about 5 mass %of the gripping layer composition. In some instances, the secondsilicone polyether may be present in an amount of from about 0.05 mass %to about 5 mass % of the substrate body composition. In some instances,the third silicone polyether may be present in an amount of from about0.05 mass % to about 5 mass % of the donning layer composition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an elastomeric article, namely a glove,according to the present invention;

FIG. 2A is an exemplary cross-sectional illustration of the article ofFIG. 1 taken along a line 2-2, the article including a substrate bodyand a donning layer;

FIG. 2B is an exemplary cross-sectional illustration of the article ofFIG. 1 taken along a line 2-2, the article including a substrate body, adonning layer, and a gripping layer; and

FIG. 2C is an exemplary cross-sectional illustration of the article ofFIG. 1 taken along a line 2-2, the article including a substrate body, adonning layer, a gripping layer, and a lubricant layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a composition for forming anelastomeric article, such as a condom or glove, and an article formedtherefrom. As used herein, the term “elastomeric article” refers to anarticle formed predominantly from an elastomeric material. As usedherein, the term “elastomeric material” refers to a polymeric materialthat is capable of being easily stretched or expanded, and willsubstantially return to its previous shape upon release of thestretching or expanding force.

The composition of the present invention generally includes anelastomeric material and a film leveler. As used herein, a “filmleveler” refers to an agent that tends to improve the uniformity of afilm formed from a polymer. For example, in a glove, the presence of thefilm leveler promotes uniform thickness and few or no defects, such aspinholes, bubbles, or waves. Furthermore, the presence of the filmleveler reduces the number of defects in the spaces between the fingersof the glove (i.e., the “finger crotches”).

Any suitable film leveler or combination of film levelers may be used asdesired. In some embodiments, the film leveler may include a silicone orsilicone-based component. As used herein, “silicone” generally refers toa broad family of synthetic polymers that have a repeatingsilicon-oxygen backbone, including, but not limited to,polydimethylsiloxane and polysiloxanes having hydrogen-bondingfunctional groups selected from the group consisting of amino, carboxyl,hydroxyl, ether, polyether, aldehyde, ketone, amide, ester, and thiolgroups.

In one such embodiment, the film leveler may include a siliconepolyether. As used herein, a “silicone polyether” refers to any memberof a class of chemicals having a polydimethylsiloxane backbone modifiedby the chemical attachment of polyoxyalkene chains. The length of thepolydimethylsiloxane backbone and the number, size, and composition ofthe attached polyoxyalkene chains impact the properties of the siliconepolyether.

A wide variety of silicone polyethers are available commercially. Oneexample of a silicone polyether that may be suitable for use with thepresent invention is available from BASF Corporation (Mount Olive, NewJersey) under the trade name MASIL® SF-19 CG Silicone Surfactant(“MASIL® SF-19”). MASIL® SF-19 is believed to contain polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-8 dimethicone. Another example of a silicone polyether thatmay be suitable for use with the present invention is available fromSiltech, LLC (Dacula, Ga.) under the trade name MFF 184SW. MFF 184SW isa dimethyl, methyl hydroxy propyl ethoxylated siloxane believed tocontain about 10 mass % poly(ethylene oxide propylene oxide) mono allylether. Another silicone polyether that may be suitable for use with thepresent invention is available from Dow Coming Corporation (Midland,Mich.) under the trade name DC Q2-5211 Superwetting Agent (“DCQ2-5211”). DC Q2-5211 is a low molecular weight nonionic siliconepolyether surfactant believed to contain greater than 60 mass % methyl(propylhydroxide, ethoxylated) bis(trimethylsiloxy) silane, 15-40 mass %polyethylene oxide monoallyl ether, and less than 13 mass % polyethyleneglycol. Still another silicone polyether that may be suitable for usewith the present invention is available from Dow Coming Corporation(Midland, Mich.) under the trade name DC 2501 Cosmetic Wax (“DC 2501”).DC 2501 is a water-dispersible dimethicone copolyol wax. Yet anothersilicone polyether that may be suitable for use with the presentinvention is available from Dow Coming Corporation (Midland, Mich.)under the trade name DC Q4-3667 Fluid (“DC Q4-3667”). DC Q4-3667 is asilicone polyether believed to contain greater than 60 mass % dimethylsiloxane, ethoxylated 3-hydroxypropyl-terminated, 15-40 mass %polyethylene oxide monoallyl ether, 5-10 mass % polyethylene glycol, 1-5mass % octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, 1-5 mass %decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, and 1-5 mass % dimethylcyclosiloxanes.While various exemplary silicone polyethers have been described herein,it should be understood that any suitable silicone polyether may be usedas desired.

The film leveler may be added to the polymer composition in any amountsuitable to achieve the desired glove characteristics without impactingthe glove formation process. If too much film leveler is used, some ofthe film leveler may migrate from the composition and deposit onto theformer, where it may, in some instances, disrupt formation of gloves onthat former. The amount needed may depend on the polymer used to formthe article, the processing conditions, the desired glove thickness, andso forth. In one embodiment, the film leveler may be present in thepolymer composition in an amount of from about 0.05 mass % to about 5.0mass % of the composition. In another embodiment, the film leveler maybe present in the composition in an amount of from about 0.1 mass % toabout 3.0 mass % by mass of the composition. In another embodiment, thefilm leveler may be present in the composition in an amount of fromabout 0.15 mass % to about 2.0 mass % of the composition. In yet anotherembodiment, the film leveler may be present in the composition in anamount of from about 0.25 mass % to about 1.0 mass % of the composition.In still another embodiment, the film leveler may be present in anamount of about 0.4 mass % of the composition.

An article made in accordance with the present invention featuresimproved uniformity and quality. Specifically, an article formed usingthe composition of the present invention offers fewer defects,uniformity in thickness, and fewer failures. As depicted in FIG. 1, thearticle, for example, glove 20, generally includes an inside surface 22and an outside surface 24. As used herein, the “inside surface” refersto the surface of the article that contacts the body of the wearer. Asused herein, the “outside surface” refers to the surface of the articlethat is distal from the body of the wearer. The glove includes asubstrate body 26 having a first surface 28 and a second surface 30(FIG. 2A-2C). As used herein, “first surface” refers to the surface ofthe substrate body proximal to the body of the wearer. As used herein,“second surface” refers to the surface of the substrate body distal tothe body of the wearer.

The article of the present invention may include a single layer ormultiple layers as desired. In a single layer glove including only thesubstrate body, the first surface may be the inside surface of theglove. However, in a multi-layer glove having additional layers proximalto the body of the wearer, the first surface may not be the insidesurface of the glove. In a single layer glove including only thesubstrate body, the second surface may be the outside surface of theglove. However, in a multi-layer glove having additional layers distalfrom the body of the wearer, the second surface may not be the outsidesurface of the glove.

For example, as depicted in FIG. 2A, the article may include a donninglayer 32 overlying at least a portion of the first surface 28 of thesubstrate body 26. In such an article, the donning layer 32 forms atleast a portion of the inside surface 22 of the glove 20. As depicted inFIG. 2B, the article 20 may also include a gripping layer 34 overlyingat least a portion of the second surface 30 of the substrate body 26. Insuch an article, the gripping layer 34 forms at least a portion of theoutside surface 24 of the glove 20. As depicted in FIG. 2C, the articlemay also include other layers, such as a lubricant layer 36 thatoverlies at least a portion of the donning layer 32. In such an article,the lubricant layer 36 forms at least a portion of the inside surface 22of the glove 20.

The article of the present invention may be formed using a variety ofprocesses, for example, dipping, spraying, tumbling, drying, and curing.An exemplary dipping process for forming a glove is described herein,though other processes may be employed to form various articles havingdifferent shapes and characteristics. For example, a condom may beformed in substantially the same manner, although some processconditions may differ from those used to form a glove. Furthermore, itshould be understood that a batch, semi-batch, or a continuous processmay be used with the present invention.

A glove is formed on a hand-shaped mold, termed a “former”. The formermay be made from any suitable material, such as glass, metal, porcelain,or the like. The surface of the former defines at least a portion of thesurface of the glove to be manufactured. In general, the glove is formedby dipping the former into a series of compositions as needed to attainthe desired glove characteristics. The glove may be allowed to solidifybetween layers. Any combination of layers may be used, and althoughspecific layers are described herein, it should be understood that otherlayers and combinations of layers may be used as desired.

The substrate body 26 (FIGS. 2A-2C) may be formed by dipping the formerinto a composition including an elastomeric material and a film leveler.Any suitable elastomeric material may be used, and in some embodiments,the elastomeric material may include from a mid block saturated stryenicblock copolymer, for example, a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene(S-EB-S) block copolymer. In other embodiments, the substrate body maybe formed from two or more elastomeric materials. For instance, the bodymay be formed from two or more S-EB-S block copolymers, such as thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,112,900 and 5,407,715 to Buddenhagen etal., both incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Examplesof S-EB-S polymers that may be suitable for use with the presentinvention include those commercially available from Kraton Polymers(Houston, Tex.) under the trade name KRATON® 1650 and KRATON® 1651.KRATON® 1650 is believed to contain 30 mass % block styrene. KRATON®1651 is believed to contain 33 mass % block styrene.

While articles formed from S-EB-S are described in detail herein, itshould be understood that any other suitable polymer or combination ofpolymers may be used with the present invention. For instance, inanother embodiment, the elastomeric material may include natural rubber,which may generally be provided as natural rubber latex. In yet anotherembodiment, the elastomeric material may include nitrile butadienerubber, and in particular, may include carboxylated nitrile butadienerubber. In other embodiments, the elastomeric material may include astyrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-butadiene-styreneblock copolymer, styrene-isoprene block copolymer, styrene-butadieneblock copolymer, synthetic isoprene, chloroprene rubber, polyvinylchloride, silicone rubber, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the substrate body may be formed using asolvent-based dipping process. Exemplary processes have been describedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,900 to Buddenhagen et al., U.S. Pat. No.5,407,715 to Buddenhagen et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,531 toLittleton et al., each incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety, and will be described here only briefly. For example, in sucha process, the S-EB-S block copolymer is dissolved in a solvent, forexample, toluene, and then mixed with a plasticizer. A glove former isthen dipped into the solution and permitted to dry to evaporate thesolvent. Several dips may be used as needed to build the desiredthickness. The final article may be rinsed or otherwise treated asdesired.

In another embodiment, the glove may be formed using an aqueousdispersion-based dipping process. Exemplary processes have beendescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,452 to Plamthottam and U.S. Pat. No.6,414,083 to Plamthottam, both incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety, and will be described here only briefly. For example, adispersion medium is prepared from water and a surfactant. Otheradditives, such as thickeners, defoamers, or buffers may be added to thedispersion medium. Separately, a mixture of the S-EB-S block copolymer,a solvent, and a mineral oil plasticizer is prepared. The two mixturesare then combined under high shear conditions to form the desireddispersion. The solvent is then removed from the dispersion via asuitable stripping process. An elastomeric article is then formed bydipping a former into a volume of the dispersion one or more times tobuild up the desired thickness, and thereafter evaporating the water toform a film on the surface of the former. The final article may berinsed or otherwise treated as desired.

As stated above, the composition may further include a film leveler. Onesuch suitable film leveler may include a silicone polyether, such asthose described in detail above. The film leveler may be present in anyamount needed to achieve the desired film uniformity and defectreduction. Thus, in one embodiment, the substrate body may be formedfrom a composition including from about 1 mass % to about 40 mass %S-EB-S and from about 0.05 mass % to about 5 mass % silicone polyether.In another embodiment, the substrate body composition may include fromabout 10 mass % to about 30 mass % S-EB-S and from about 0.1 mass % toabout 3 mass % silicone polyether. In yet another embodiment, thesubstrate body composition may include about 15 mass % to about 25 mass% S-EB-S and from about 0.15 mass % to about 1 mass % siliconepolyether. In yet another embodiment the substrate body composition mayinclude from about 17 mass % to about 23 mass % S-EB-S and from about0.2 mass % to about 0.5 mass % silicone polyether. In yet anotherembodiment, the substrate body composition may include about 20 mass %S-EB-S and about 0.4 mass % silicone polyether. While exemplarycompositions are set forth herein, it should be understood that otherpolymers and other film levelers may be used in any suitable quantitiesto form the substrate body as described herein.

After formation of the substrate body 26, the former may be dipped intoa bath containing a suitable polymeric material to coat the firstsurface 28. Such a coating forms at least a portion of donning layer 32(FIG. 2A-2C) to facilitate donning of the finished article. The donninglayer may be present in any suitable amount, and in some embodiments,the donning layer may be present in an amount of from about 0.1% mass %to about 2.5 mass % of the elastomeric article. In other embodiments,the donning layer may be present in an amount of from about 0.25 mass %to about 1.5 mass % of the elastomeric article. In yet otherembodiments, the donning layer may be present in an amount of about 0.5mass % of the elastomeric article.

The donning layer may be formed from any polymer that facilitatesdonning of the article, and in some embodiments, includes a blockcopolymer. One such polymer that may be suitable for use with thepresent invention is a styrenic block copolymer. In one embodiment, thedonning layer may be formed from a styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) blockcopolymer. One example of an SBS polymer that may be suitable for use asa donning layer is commercially available from Dexco Polymers (Houston,Tex.) under the trade name VECTOR® 8508. VECTORS 8508 is believed to bea linear, pure triblock copolymer (containing less than 1% diblockcopolymer) produced using anionic polymerization. Another example of apolymer that may be suitable for use as a donning is also available fromDexco Polymers (Houston, Tex.) under the trade name VECTOR® 8550.

In another embodiment, an unsaturated styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS)block copolymer having tri- or radial-blocks may be used. In someinstances, the SIS block copolymer may have a polystyrene end blockcontent of from about 10 mass % to about 20 mass % of the total weightof the SIS block copolymer. In another embodiment, the SIS blockcopolymer may have a polystyrene end block content of from about 15 mass% to about 18 mass % of the total mass of the SIS block copolymer.Moreover, the molecular weight of the polystyrene end blocks may be atleast about 5,000 grams per mole. Some examples of suitable mid-blockunsaturated SIS block copolymers include, but are not limited to,KRATON® D1107 available from Kraton Polymers (Houston, Texas) andVECTOR® 511 and VECTOR® 4111 available from Dexco Polymers (Houston,Tex.).

Thus, to form the donning layer, the former may be dipped into donninglayer composition that includes polymeric material and a film leveler.In another embodiment, the donning layer may be formed by dipping theformer into a composition including an elastomeric material, such asSBS, and a film leveler, such as a silicone polyether. In one suchembodiment, the donning layer composition may include from about 1 mass% to about 10 mass % SBS and from about 0.05 mass % to about 5 mass %silicone polyether. In another such embodiment, the donning layercomposition may include from about 1.5 mass % to about 7 mass % SBS andfrom about 0.1 mass % to about 3 mass % silicone polyether. In yetanother such embodiment, the donning layer composition may include fromabout 2 mass % to about 5 mass % SBS and from about 0.15 mass % to about1 mass % silicone polyether. In yet another such embodiment, the donninglayer composition may include from about 3 mass % to about 4 mass % SBSand from about 0.2 mass % to about 0.5 mass % silicone polyether. In oneexemplary embodiment, the donning layer composition may include about3.4 mass % SBS and about 0.15 mass % silicone polyether. While exemplarycompositions are set forth herein, it should be understood that otherpolymers and other film levelers may be used in any suitable quantitiesto form the donning layer as described herein.

Thus, the article of the present invention may include a substrate body26 and a donning layer 32, where the substrate body 26 is formed fromone or more S-EB-S block copolymers, and the donning layer 32 is formedfrom a SBS block copolymer (FIG. 2A). Either or both layers may containa film leveler at the same or different levels. For instance, in oneembodiment, the article of the present invention may be formed by firstdipping a former into a composition including an elastomeric polymer,for example S-EB-S, and a film leveler, for example a siliconepolyether, to form a substrate body having the desired thickness,followed by one or more dips into a composition containing SBS and afilm leveler, for example a silicone polyether, to form a donning layer.In some embodiments, each dip contains the same film leveler in the sameamount. For instance, in some embodiments, each layer is formed from acomposition that includes 0.4 mass % of a film leveler, for example, asilicone polyether. In other instances, the amount of film leveler ineach composition may differ. For example, in one embodiment, thesubstrate body composition includes about 0.4 mass % film leveler, andthe donning layer composition includes about 0.15 mass % film leveler.

Where desired, the article 20 of the present invention may also includea gripping layer 34 that overlies at least a portion of the secondsurface 30 of the substrate body (FIG. 2B-2C). The gripping layerenables the wearer to securely grasp articles without excessivetackiness or slipperiness. The gripping layer may be present in anysuitable amount, and in some embodiments, the gripping layer may bepresent in an amount of from about 0.1% mass % to about 2.5 mass % ofthe elastomeric article. In other embodiments, the gripping layer may bepresent in an amount of from about 0.25 mass % to about 1.5 mass % ofthe elastomeric article. In yet other embodiments, the gripping layermay be present in an amount of about 0.5 mass % of the elastomericarticle.

The gripping layer may be formed from any polymer, and in someembodiments, the gripping layer may be formed from an unsaturatedelastomeric polymer capable of being chlorinated. For instance, thegripping layer may be formed from a styrene-butadiene-styrene blockcopolymer. One example of an SBS polymer that may be suitable for use asa gripping layer is commercially available from Dexco Polymers (Houston,Tex.) under the trade name VECTOR® 8508, described in detail above.Another example of a polymer that may be suitable for use as a grippinglayer is also available from Dexco Polymers (Houston, Tex.) under thetrade name VECTOR® 8550.

To form the gripping layer, the former may be dipped into a bathcontaining a suitable polymeric material prior to formation of thesubstrate body. In one embodiment, the former may be dipped into acomposition that includes a polymeric material. In another embodiment,the former may be dipped into a composition that includes an elastomericmaterial and a film leveler. In one such embodiment, the gripping layercomposition may include from about 1 mass % to about 10 mass % SBS andfrom about 0.05 mass % to about 5 mass % silicone polyether. In anothersuch embodiment, the gripping layer composition may include from about1.5 mass % to about 7 mass % SBS and from about 0.1 mass % to about 3mass % silicone polyether. In yet another such embodiment, the grippinglayer composition may include from about 2 mass % to about 5 mass % SBSand from about 0.15 mass % to about 1 mass % silicone polyether. In yetanother such embodiment, the gripping layer composition may include fromabout 3 mass % to about 4 mass % SBS and from about 0.2 mass % to about0.5 mass % silicone polyether. In one exemplary embodiment, the grippinglayer composition may include about 3.4 mass % SBS and about 0.15 mass %silicone polyether. While exemplary compositions are set forth herein,it should be understood that other polymers and other film levelers maybe used in any quantities to form the gripping layer as describedherein.

Thus, in one embodiment, the article may be formed with three or moredifferent layers, for example a gripping layer, a substrate body, and adonning layer (FIG. 2B). Such an article may be formed, for example, bysequential dips into baths containing SBS, S-EB-S, and SBS. One or moreof the compositions contained in each bath may include a film leveler.In one embodiment, each composition includes a film leveler. In someinstances, the film leveler may be present in the same amount in eachbath. For instance, in some embodiments, each layer is formed from acomposition that includes 0.4 mass % of a film leveler, for example, asilicone polyether. In other instances, the amount of film leveler ineach composition used to form the layers may differ. For example, in oneembodiment, the substrate body composition may include a film leveler inan amount of about 0.4 mass %, the donning layer composition may includea film leveler in an amount of about 0.15 mass %, and the gripping layercomposition may include a film leveler in an amount of about 0.15 mass%.

When all of the desired polymer layers have been formed and the glove issolidified, the former may be transferred to a stripping station wherethe glove is removed from the former. The stripping station may involveautomatic or manual removal of the glove from the former. For example,in one embodiment, the glove is manually removed and turned inside outas it is stripped from the former.

The solidified glove may then undergo various post-formation processes.In some instances, the glove may be inverted as needed to expose thedonning layer and/or the gripping layer for halogenation. Thehalogenation (e.g., chlorination) may be performed in any suitablemanner known to those skilled in the art. Chlorination generally entailscontacting the surface to be chlorinated to a source of chlorine. Suchmethods include: (1) direct injection of chlorine gas into a watermixture, (2) mixing high density bleaching powder and aluminum chloridein water, (3) brine electrolysis to produce chlorinated water, and (4)acidified bleach. Examples of such methods are described in U.S. Pat.Nos. 3,411,982 to Kavalir; 3,740,262 to Agostinelli; 3,992,221 to Homsy,et al.; 4,597,108 to Momose; and 4,851,266 to Momose, 5,792,531 toLittleton, et al., which are incorporated herein in their entirety byreference. In one embodiment, for example, chlorine gas is injected intoa water stream and then fed into a chlorinator (a closed vessel)containing the glove. The concentration of chlorine can be altered tocontrol the degree of chlorination. The chlorine concentration istypically at least about 100 parts per million (ppm), in someembodiments from about 200 ppm to about 3500 ppm, and in someembodiments, from about 300 ppm to about 600 ppm, for example, about 400ppm. The duration of the chlorination step may also be controlled tovary the degree of chlorination and may range, for example, from about 1to about 15 minutes, for example, 4 minutes.

Still within the chlorinator, the chlorinated glove may then be rinsedwith tap water at about room temperature. This rinse cycle may berepeated as necessary. Once all water is removed, the glove is tumbledto drain the excess water.

Where desired, a lubricant composition may then be added into thechlorinator and tumbled for about five minutes. The lubricant forms alubricant layer 36 over at least a portion of the donning layer 32 tofurther enhance donning of the glove 20 (FIG. 2C). Any suitablelubricant may be used with the present invention as described herein.

In one embodiment, the lubricant layer may contain a silicone orsilicone-based component. In some embodiments, the lubricant layer maybe formed from a polydimethylsiloxane and/or modified polysiloxane. Forinstance, some suitable modified polysiloxanes that may be suitable foruse with the present invention include, but are not limited to,phenyl-modified polysiloxanes, vinyl-modified polysiloxanes,methyl-modified polysiloxanes, fluoro-modified polysiloxanes,alkyl-modified polysiloxanes, alkoxy-modified polysiloxanes,amino-modified polysiloxanes, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the lubricant layer may include a siliconeemulsion. One such silicone emulsion that may be suitable for use withthe present invention is DC 365, a pre-emulsified silicone (35% TSC)that is commercially available from Dow Coming Corporation (Midland,Mich.). DC 365 is believed to contain 40-70 mass % water, 30-60 mass %methyl-modified polydimethylsiloxane, 1-5 mass % propylene glycol, 1-5mass % polyethylene glycol sorbitan monolaurate, and 1-5 mass %octylphenoxy polyethoxy ethanol. Another silicone emulsion that may besuitable for use with the present invention is SM 2140, commerciallyavailable from GE Silicones (Waterford, N.Y.). SM 2140 is apre-emulsified silicone (50% TSC) that is believed to contain 30-60 mass% water, 30-60 mass % amino-modified polydimethylsiloxane, 1-5%ethoxylated nonyl phenol, 1-5 mass % trimethyl-4-nonyloxypolyethyleneoxyethanol, and minor percentages of acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, and 1,4dioxane. Another silicone emulsion that may be suitable for use with thepresent invention is SM 2169 available from GE Silicones (Waterford,N.Y.). SM 2169 is a pre-emulsified silicone that is believed to contain30-60 mass % water, 60-80 mass % polydimethylsiloxane, 1-5 mass %polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, and a small amount of formaldehyde. Yetanother silicone that may be suitable for use with the present inventionis commercially available from GE Silicones (Waterford, N.Y.) under thetrade name AF-60. AF-60 is believed to contain polydimethylsiloxane,acetylaldehyde, and small percentages of emulsifiers. If desired, thesepre-emulsified silicones may be diluted with water or other solventsprior to use.

In another embodiment, the lubricant layer may contain a quaternaryammonium compound, such as that commercially available from GoldschmidtChemical Corporation of Dublin, Ohio under the trade name VERISOFT®BTMS. VERISOFT® BTMS is believed to contain behnyl trimethyl sulfate andcetyl alcohol. Thus for example, in one embodiment, the lubricant layerincludes a quaternary ammonium compound such as VERISOFT® BTMS and asilicone emulsion such as SM 2169.

In other embodiments, the lubricant layer may include, for example, acationic surfactant (e.g., cetyl pyridinium chloride), an anionicsurfactant (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate), a nonionic surfactant, or thelike.

In some embodiments, one or more cationic surfactants may be used.Examples of cationic surfactants that may be suitable for use with thepresent invention include, for example, behenetrimonium methosulfate,distearyldimonium chloride, dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium chloride,cetylpyridinium chloride, methylbenzethonium chloride,hexadecylpyridinium chloride, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride,benzalkonium chloride, dodecylpyridinium chloride, the correspondingbromides, hydroxyethylheptadecylimidazolium halides, coco aminopropylbetaine, and coconut alkyldimethylammonium betaine. Additional cationicsurfactants that may be used include methyl bis(hydrogenated tallowamidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethly ammonium methyl sulfate, methylbis(tallowamido ethyl)-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate, methylbis(soya amidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate, methylbis(canola amidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate, methylbis(tallowamido ethyl)-2-tallow imidazolinium methyl sulfate, methylbis(hydrogenated tallowamido ethyl)-2-hydrogenated tallow imidazoliniummethyl sulfate, methyl bis(ethyl tallowate)-2- hydroxyethyl ammoniummethyl sulfate, methyl bis(ethyl tallowate)-2-hydroxyethyl ammoniummethyl sulfate, dihydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride,didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride,octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride diamidoamine ethoxylates,diamidoamine imidazolines, and quaternary ester salts.

In some embodiments, one or more nonionic surfactants may be used.Nonionic surfactants typically have a hydrophobic base, such as a longchain alkyl group or an alkylated aryl group, and a hydrophilic chaincomprising a certain number (e.g., 1 to about 30) of ethoxy and/orpropoxy moieties. Examples of some classes of nonionic surfactants thatmay be used include, but are not limited to, ethoxylated alkylphenols,ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, polyethylene glycol ethersof methyl glucose, polyethylene glycol ethers of sorbitol, ethyleneoxide-propylene oxide block copolymers, ethoxylated esters of fatty(C₈-C₁₈) acids, condensation products of ethylene oxide with long chainamines or amides, condensation products of ethylene oxide with alcohols,and mixtures thereof.

Specific examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include, but are notlimited to, methyl gluceth-10, PEG-20 methyl glucose distearate, PEG-20methyl glucose sesquistearate, C₁₁₋₁₅ pareth-20, ceteth-8, ceteth-12,dodoxynol-12, laureth-15, PEG-20 castor oil, polysorbate 20,steareth-20, polyoxyethylene-10 cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene-10 stearylether, polyoxyethylene-20 cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene-10 oleyl ether,polyoxyethylene-20 oleyl ether, an ethoxylated nonylphenol, ethoxylatedoctylphenol, ethoxylated dodecylphenol, or ethoxylated fatty (C₆ -C₂₂)alcohol, including 3 to 20 ethylene oxide moieties, polyoxyethylene-20isohexadecyl ether, polyoxyethylene-23 glycerol laurate,polyoxy-ethylene-20 glyceryl stearate, PPG-10 methyl glucose ether,PPG-20 methyl glucose ether, polyoxyethylene-20 sorbitan monoesters,polyoxyethylene-80 castor oil, polyoxyethylene-15 tridecyl ether,polyoxy-ethylene-6 tridecyl ether, laureth-2, laureth-3, laureth-4,PEG-3 castor oil, PEG 600 dioleate, PEG 400 dioleate, oxyethanol,2,6,8-trimethyl-4-nonyloxypolyethylene oxyethanol; octylphenoxypolyethoxy ethanol, nonylphenoxy polyethoxy ethanol,2,6,8-trimethyl-4-nonyloxypolyethylenealkyleneoxypolyethyleneoxyethanol, alkyleneoxypolyethyleneoxyethanol,alkyleneoxypolyethyleneoxyethanol, and mixtures thereof.

Additional nonionic surfactants that may be used include water solublealcohol ethylene oxide condensates that are the condensation products ofa secondary aliphatic alcohol containing between about 8 to about 18carbon atoms in a straight or branched chain configuration condensedwith between about 5 to about 30 moles of ethylene oxide. Such nonionicsurfactants are commercially available under the trade name TERGITOL®from Union Carbide Corp. (Danbury, Conn.). Specific examples of suchcommercially available nonionic surfactants of the foregoing type areC₁₁-C₁₅ secondary alkanols condensed with either 9 moles of ethyleneoxide (TERGITOL® 15-S-9) or 12 moles of ethylene oxide (TERGITOL®15-S-12) marketed by Union Carbide Corp. (Danbury, Conn.).

Other suitable nonionic surfactants include the polyethylene oxidecondensates of one mole of alkyl phenol containing from about 8 to 18carbon atoms in a straight- or branched chain alkyl group with about 5to 30 moles of ethylene oxide. Specific examples of alkyl phenolethoxylates include nonyl condensed with about 9.5 moles of ethyleneoxide per mole of nonyl phenol, dinonyl phenol condensed with about 12moles of ethylene oxide per mole of phenol, dinonyl phenol condensedwith about 15 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of phenol anddiisoctylphenol condensed with about 15 moles of ethylene oxide per moleof phenol. Commercially available nonionic surfactants of this typeinclude IGEPAL® CO-630 (a nonyl phenol ethoxylate) marketed by ISP Corp.(Wayne, N.J.). Suitable non-ionic ethoxylated octyl and nonyl phenolsinclude those having from about 7 to about 13 ethoxy units.

In some embodiments, one or more amphoteric surfactants may be used. Oneclass of amphoteric surfactants that may suitable for use with thepresent invention includes the derivatives of secondary and tertiaryamines having aliphatic radicals that are straight chain or branched,where one of the aliphatic substituents contains from about 8 to 18carbon atoms and at least one of the aliphatic substituents contains ananionic water-solubilizing group, such as a carboxy, sulfonate, orsulfate group. Some examples of amphoteric surfactants include, but arenot limited to, sodium 3-(dodecylamino)propionate, sodium3-(dodecylamino)-propane-1-sulfonate, sodium 2-(dodecylamino)ethylsulfate, sodium 2-(dimethylamino)octadecanoate, disodium3-(N-carboxymethyl-dodecylamino)propane-1-sulfonate, sodium1-carboxymethyl-2-undecylimidazole, disodium octadecyliminodiacetate,and sodium N, N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-sulfato-3-dodecoxypropylamine.

Additional classes of suitable amphoteric surfactants includephosphobetaines and phosphitaines. For instance, some examples of suchamphoteric surfactants include, but are not limited to, sodium coconutN-methyl taurate, sodium oleyl N-methyl taurate, sodium tall oil acidN-methyl taurate, cocodimethylcarboxymethylbetaine,lauryldimethylcarboxymethylbetaine, lauryldimethylcarboxyethylbetaine,cetyldimethylcarboxymethylbetaine, sodium palmitoyl N-methyl taurate,oleyldimethylgammacarboxypropylbetaine,lauryl-bis-(2-hydroxypropyl)-carboxyethylbetaine, di-sodium oleamidePEG-2 sulfosuccinate, laurylamido-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) propylsultaine,lauryl-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) carboxymethylbetaine,cocoamidodimethylpropylsultaine, stearylamidodimethylpropylsultaine, TEAoleamido PEG-2 sulfosuccinate, disodium oleamide MEA sulfosuccinate,disodium oleamide MIPA sulfosuccinate, disodium ricinoleamide MEAsulfosuccinate, disodium undecylenamide MEA sulfosuccinate, disodiumwheat germamido MEA sulfosuccinate, disodium wheat germamido PEG-2sulfosuccinate, disodium isostearamideo MEA sulfosuccinate, cocoamidopropyl monosodium phosphitaine, lauric myristic amido propyl monosodiumphosphitaine, cocoamido disodium 3-hydroxypropyl phosphobetaine, lauricmyristic amido disodium 3-hydroxypropyl phosphobetaine, lauric myristicamido glyceryl phosphobetaine, lauric myristic amido carboxy disodium3-hydroxypropyl phosphobetaine, cocoamphoglycinate,cocoamphocarboxyglycinate, capryloamphocarboxyglycinate,lauroamphocarboxyglycinate, lauroamphoglycinate,capryloamphocarboxypropionate, lauroamphocarboxypropionate,cocoamphopropionate, cocoamphocarboxypropionate, dihydroxyethyl tallowglycinate, and mixtures thereof.

In certain instances, one or more anionic surfactants may be used.Suitable anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, alkylsulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl ether sulfonates, sulfate estersof an alkylphenoxy polyoxyethylene ethanol, alpha-olefin sulfonates,beta-alkoxy alkane sulfonates, alkylauryl sulfonates, alkylmonoglyceride sulfates, alkyl monoglyceride sulfonates, alkylcarbonates, alkyl ether carboxylates, fatty acids, sulfosuccinates,sarcosinates, octoxynol or nonoxynol phosphates, taurates, fattytaurides, fatty acid amide polyoxyethylene sulfates, isethionates, ormixtures thereof.

Particular examples of some suitable anionic surfactants include, butare not limited to, C₈-C₁₈ alkyl sulfates, C₈-C₁₈ fatty acid salts,C₈-C₁₈ alkyl ether sulfates having one or two moles of ethoxylation,C₈-C₁₈ alkamine oxides, C₈-C₁₈ alkoyl sarcosinates, C₈-C₁₈sulfoacetates, C₈-C₁₈ sulfosuccinates, C₈-C₁₈ alkyl diphenyl oxidedisulfonates, C₈-C₁₈ alkyl carbonates, C₈-C₁₈ alpha-olefin sulfonates,methyl ester sulfonates, and blends thereof. The C₈-C₁₈ alkyl group maybe straight chain (e.g., lauryl) or branched (e.g., 2-ethylhexyl). Thecation of the anionic surfactant may be an alkali metal (e.g., sodium orpotassium), ammonium, C₁-C₄ alkylammonium (e.g., mono-, di-, tri), orC₁-C₃ alkanolammonium (e.g., mono-, di-, tri).

Specific examples of such anionic surfactants include, but are notlimited to, lauryl sulfates, octyl sulfates, 2-ethylhexyl sulfates,lauramine oxide, decyl sulfates, tridecyl sulfates, cocoates, lauroylsarcosinates, lauryl sulfosuccinates, linear C₁₀ diphenyl oxidedisulfonates, lauryl sulfosuccinates, lauryl ether sulfates (1 and 2moles ethylene oxide), myristyl sulfates, oleates, stearates, tallates,ricinoleates, cetyl sulfates, and so forth.

The lubricant solution is then drained from the chlorinator and may bereused if desired. It should be understood that the lubricantcomposition may be applied at a later stage in the forming process, andmay be applied using any technique, such as dipping, spraying,immersion, printing, tumbling, or the like.

The coated glove is then put into a drier and dried for about 10 to 60minutes (e.g., 40 minutes) at from about 20° C. to about 80° C. (e.g.,40° C.) to dry the donning layer. The glove is then inverted and driedfor about 20 to 100 minutes (e.g., 60 minutes) at from about 20° C. toabout 80° C. (e.g., 40° C.).

These discoveries are evidenced by the following examples, which are notintended to be limiting in any manner.

EXAMPLE 1

The impact of using a film leveler to form the article of the presentinvention was demonstrated. Two sets of gloves were prepared, withapproximately 5-35 gloves in each set.

Preparation of the Control Gloves

Ceramic formers in the shape of a hand were dipped into a firstcomposition including 3.4 mass % VECTOR® 8508 styrene-butadiene-styreneblock copolymer (SBS) available from Dexco Polymers (Houston, Tex.) intoluene and dried.

The formers were then dipped into a second composition including 21.7mass % of a 50/50 mixture of KRATON® 1650 and KRATON® 1651 availablefrom Kraton Polymers (Houston, Texas) (plus 67 parts per hundred rubber(phr) mineral oil) in toluene. The formers were then dried.

The formers were then dipped into a third composition including 21.7mass % of a 50/50 mixture of KRATON® 1650 and KRATON® 1651 (plus 67parts per hundred rubber (phr) mineral oil) in toluene. The formers werethen dried.

The formers were then dipped into a fourth composition including 3.5mass % VECTOR® 8508 SBS in toluene and dried.

Preparation of the Experimental Gloves

Ceramic formers in the shape of a hand were dipped into a firstcomposition including 3.5 mass % VECTOR® 8508 SBS and 1.5 mass % MASIL®SF-19 in toluene and dried.

The formers were then dipped into a second composition including 21.7mass % of a 50/50 mixture of KRATON® 1650 and KRATON® 1651 (plus 67parts per hundred rubber (phr) mineral oil) and 1.5 mass % MASIL® SF-19in toluene. The formers were then dried.

The same former was then dipped into a third composition including 21.7mass % of a 50/50 mixture of KRATON® 1650 and KRATON® 1651 (plus 67parts per hundred rubber (phr) mineral oil) and 1.5 mass % MASIL® SF-19in toluene. The formers were then dried.

The same former was then dipped into a fourth composition including 3.5mass % SBS, 1.5 mass % MASIL® SF-19, and toluene and dried.

Throughout each dipping step and after completion of the process, thequality of the accumulated polymer was carefully observed. When comparedwith the control gloves, the experimental gloves showed a markedimprovement in uniformity of thickness and very few, if any defects,particularly between the fingers of the glove. Thus, the presence of thefilm leveler, in this case the MASIL® SF-19, significantly improved theability to form a glove.

Furthermore, the gloves were evaluated for tensile strength using ASTM D412-98A (1998) entitled “Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber andThermoplastic Elastomers—Tension”. The results were as follows.Experimental Percent Change Control Gloves Gloves (%) Maximum load (N)16.1 19.8 23 Tensile (MPa) 28.6 30.5 6.4 Elongation (%) 0.93 1.02 9.6The results indicate that the presence of the film leveler in thecompositions significantly improved the tensile strength of theresulting glove.

EXAMPLES 2-11

In each of Examples 2-11, the following procedure was used to form anelastomeric article, namely a glove. A five-dip process was used toevaluate various film levelers in a glove. The details of eachexperiment follow.

A 175 lb (79.4 kg) solution of elastomeric material was prepared in aScott Turbon TMS3B75 mixer by combining the following materials in thefollowing order: toluene, KRATON® 1651, KRATON® 1650, and mineral oil.The resulting solution contained about 21 mass % of a 50/50 mixture ofKRATON® 1651 and KRATON® 1650 and about 67 phr mineral oil in toluene.This solution was designated as Stock Solution A. The solution was mixedthoroughly. A Stock Solution A was to form the substrate body of theglove.

A 175 lb (79.4 kg) solution of elastomeric material was prepared in aScott Turbon TMS3B75 mixer by adding about 3.4 mass % VECTORS® 8508 SBSto toluene. The solution was mixed thoroughly and designated as StockSolution B. Stock Solution B was used to form the donning layer and thegripping layer of the glove.

Dip Solutions 2 and 3 were then prepared by combining Stock Solution Awith various amounts of a film leveler. Dip Solutions 1 and 4 were thenprepared by mixing Stock Solution B with various amounts of a filmleveler. All dip solutions were prepared using a Scott Turbon TMS3B75mixer under shear conditions.

The former was then dipped into successive dip tanks maintained at atemperature of from about 38° C. to about 58° C. The former was firstdipped into Tank 1, which contained Dip Solution 1. The former was thenrotated until the polymer was dry. The total time required for this stepwas about 6 minutes. The former was then dipped into Tank 2, whichcontained Dip Solution 2, and dried. The total time required for thisstep was about 24 minutes. The former was then dipped into Tank 3, whichcontained Dip Solution 3, and dried. The total time required for thisstep was about 30 minutes. The former was then dipped into Tank 4, whichcontained Dip Solution 4, and dried. The total time required for thisstep was about 6 minutes.

A glove bead was then formed on the cuff of the glove using a automaticbead roller.

The former was then dipped into Tank 5, which contained an aqueousslurry of calcium carbonate and a surfactant. This dip facilitatesstripping of the glove from the former.

Except as indicated in Examples 2 and 3, each glove was then manuallystripped from the former and inspected for defects between the fingersand at the fingertips. A “snap” gauge micrometer was then used accordingto ASTM D3577-00 (2000) entitled “Standard Specifications for RubberSurgical Gloves” to measure the thickness of the palm, cuff, and fingersof each glove. The glove was evaluated according to the following ratingsystem: Rating Characteristics 1 Very good film leveling, evendistribution of film thickness, few or no defects 2 Good film leveling,superior to formulation without film leveler, some defects 3 Very goodfilm leveling and even distribution of film thickness, few or no defectsbut evidence of film leveler migrating to the surface of the glove afteraging 4 Good film leveling, superior to formulation without filmleveler, some defects, but evidence of film leveler migrating to thesurface of the glove after aging

EXAMPLE 2

Approximately 5-35 gloves were prepared as described above. DipSolutions 2 and 3 were prepared by combining 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) StockSolution A and 0.186 lbs (0.084 kg) MASIL® SF-19 as a film leveler toform a solution containing 1.5 mass % MASIL® SF-19. Dip Solutions 1 and4 were prepared by combining 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg) Stock Solution B and0.192 lb (0.087 kg) MASIL® SF-19 to form a solution containing 1.5 mass% MASIL® SF-19. The dip solutions were mixed under shear conditions.

After removing each glove from the formers, the gloves were chlorinatedusing an immersion technique. The gripping layer was chlorinated in asolution of about 200 ppm chlorine. The gloves were then inverted, andthe donning layer was chlorinated in a solution of about 1000 ppmchlorine.

A lubricant composition was then applied to the donning layer using atumbling technique. The lubricant composition contained a quaternaryammonium compound and a silicone in water. The gloves were then driedand inverted.

In addition to the testing described above, an accelerated aging studywas performed according to ASTM D573-99 (1999) entitled “Standard TestMethod for Rubber—Deterioration in an Air Oven”. The samples wereevaluated for simulated aging over 2 simulated years at a temperature of70° C. No bricking or blocking issues were observed. No loss in tensilestrength was observed. The glove was rated a “3” according to the systemdescribed above.

EXAMPLE 3

Approximately 5-35 gloves were prepared as described above. DipSolutions 2 and 3 were prepared by combining Stock Solution A and MASIL®SF-19 as a film leveler to form a solution containing 0.5 mass % MASIL®SF-19. Dip Solutions 1 and 4 were prepared by combining Stock Solution Band MASILS SF-19 to form a solution containing 0.5 mass % MASIL® SF-19.The dip solutions were mixed under shear conditions.

After removing each glove from the formers, the gloves were chlorinatedusing an immersion technique. The gripping layer was chlorinated insolution of about 200 ppm chlorine. The gloves were then inverted, andthe donning layer was chlorinated in a solution of about 1000 ppmchlorine.

A lubricant composition was then applied to the donning layer using atumbling technique. The lubricant composition contained a quaternaryammonium compound and a silicone in water. The glove was then dried andinverted.

In addition to the testing described above, an accelerated aging studywas performed according to ASTM D573-99 (1999) entitled “Standard TestMethod for Rubber—Deterioration in an Air Oven”. The samples wereevaluated for simulated aging over 2 simulated years at a temperature of70° C. No bricking or blocking issues were observed. No loss in tensilestrength was observed. The glove was rated a “1” according to the systemdescribed above.

EXAMPLE 4

Approximately 5-35 gloves were prepared as described above. DipSolutions 2 and 3 were prepared by combining Stock Solution A and DC2501 as a film leveler to form a solution containing 1.5 mass % DC 2501.Dip Solutions 1 and 4 were prepared by combining Stock Solution B and DC2501 to form a solution containing 1.5 mass % DC 2501. The dip solutionswere mixed under shear conditions. The glove was rated a “2” accordingto the system described above.

EXAMPLE 5

Approximately 5-35 gloves were prepared as described above. DipSolutions 2 and 3 were prepared by combining Stock Solution A and DCQ4-3667 as a film leveler to form a solution containing 1.5 mass % DCQ4-3667. Dip Solutions 1 and 4 were prepared by combining Stock SolutionB and DC Q4-3667 to form a solution containing 1.5 mass % DC Q4-3667.The dip solutions were mixed under shear conditions. The glove was rateda “4” according to the system described above.

EXAMPLE 6

Approximately 5-35 gloves were prepared as described above. DipSolutions 2 and 3 were prepared by combining Stock Solution A andSILTECH® MFF 184SW as a film leveler to form a solution containing 1.5mass % SILTECH® MFF 184SW. Dip Solutions 1 and 4 were prepared bycombining Stock Solution B and SILTECH® MFF 184SW to form a solutioncontaining 1.5 mass % SILTECH® MFF 184SW. The dip solutions were mixedunder shear conditions. The glove was rated a “3” according to thesystem described above.

EXAMPLE 7

Approximately 5-35 gloves were prepared as described above. DipSolutions 2 and 3 were prepared by combining Stock Solution A and DCQ2-5211 as a film leveler to form a solution containing 1.5 mass % DCQ2-5211. Dip Solutions 1 and 4 were prepared by combining Stock SolutionB and DC Q2-5211 to form a solution containing 1.5 mass % DC Q2-5211.The dip solutions were mixed under shear conditions. The glove was rateda “4” according to the system described above.

EXAMPLE 8

Approximately 5-35 gloves were prepared as described above. DipSolutions 2 and 3 were prepared by combining Stock Solution A andSILTECH® MFF 184SW as a film leveler to form a solution containing 0.5mass % SILTECH® MFF 184SW. Dip Solutions 1 and 4 were prepared bycombining Stock Solution B and SILTECH® MFF 184SW to form a solutioncontaining 0.5 mass % SILTECH® MFF 184SW. The dip solutions were mixedunder shear conditions. The glove was rated a “1” according to thesystem described above.

EXAMPLE 9

Approximately 5-35 gloves were prepared as described above. DipSolutions 2 and 3 were prepared by combining Stock Solution A and DCQ2-5211 as a film leveler to form a solution containing 0.5 mass % DCQ2-5211. Dip Solutions 1 and 4 were prepared by combining Stock SolutionB and DC Q2-5211 to form a solution containing 0.5 mass % DC Q2-5211.The dip solutions were mixed under shear conditions. The glove was rateda “4” according to the system described above.

EXAMPLE 10

Approximately 5-35 gloves were prepared as described above. DipSolutions 2 and 3 were prepared by combining Stock Solution A andSILTECH® MFF 184SW as a film leveler to form a solution containing 0.25mass % SILTECH® MFF 184SW. Dip Solutions 1 and 4 were prepared bycombining Stock Solution B and SILTECH® MFF 184SW to form a solutioncontaining 0.25 mass % SILTECH® MFF 184SW. The dip solutions were mixedunder shear conditions. The glove was rated a “1” according to thesystem described above.

EXAMPLE 11

Approximately 5-35 gloves were prepared as described above. DipSolutions 2 and 3 were prepared by combining Stock Solution A andSILTECH® MFF 184SW as a film leveler to form a solution containing 0.4mass % SILTECH® MFF 184SW. Dip Solutions 1 and 4 were prepared bycombining Stock Solution B and SILTECH® MFF 184SW to form a solutioncontaining 0.15 mass % SILTECH® MFF 184SW. The dip solutions were mixedunder shear conditions. The glove was rated a “1” according to thesystem described above.

In sum, each film leveler evaluated in Examples 2-11 improved formationof the glove. The presence of the film leveler improved the overallprocess stability and the resulting glove uniformity.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the inventive characteristics thereof. Thepresent embodiments therefore are to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription, and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

1. A composition for forming an elastomeric article, the compositioncomprises: either an aqueous dispersion-based or a non-polar,solvent-based solution of an elastomeric material containing at least aconstituent selected from the group consisting of astyrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer,styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, natural rubber, nitrilebutadiene rubber, styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer,styrene-isoprene block copolymer, styrene-butadiene block copolymer,synthetic isoprene, chloroprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, siliconerubber, and a combination thereof; and a film leveler including a watersoluble silicone polyether surfactant.
 2. The composition of claim 1,wherein the silicone polyether surfactant contains a polyethylene glycoldimethicone.
 3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein saidsilicone polyether surfactant is present in an amount of from about 0.05mass % to about 5 mass % of the composition.
 4. The composition of claim1, wherein the silicone polyether surfactant is present in an amount offrom about 0.1 mass % to about 3 mass % of the composition.
 5. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the silicone polyether surfactant ispresent in an amount of from about 0.15 mass % to about 1 mass % of thecomposition.
 6. The composition of claim 1, further comprises toluene.7. An elastomeric article having a substrate body derived from acomposition containing an elastomeric material latex mixed with a filmleveler including a water-soluble silicone polyether surfactant, andhaving a styrenic block copolymer coating.
 8. The elastomeric article ofclaim 7, wherein the elastomeric material is selected from the groupconsisting of a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer,styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, natural rubber, nitrilebutadiene rubber, styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer,styrene-isoprene block copolymer, styrene-butadiene block copolymer,synthetic isoprene, chloroprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, siliconerubber, and a combination thereof.
 9. The elastomeric article accordingto claim 7, wherein the silicone polyether surfactant comprises apolyethylene glycol dimethicone.
 10. The elastomeric article accordingto claim 7, wherein said article includes a glove.